Russell Crowe takes beating at the box-office

Russell Crowe's new film has taken a beating at the box-office in the wake of his assault on a New York hotel worker with a telephone.

The Oscar-winner's new movie 'Cinderella Man' - which is based the incredible story of heroic 1920s' American boxer Jim Braddock - has slipped down the US movie charts after takings dropped significantly last week.

The critically-acclaimed boxing drama took an impressive $18.3 million in its' opening weekend in the states, but last weekend earnings dropped to just $9.5 million.

Industry experts are convinced Crowe's attack on hotel porter Nestor Estrada is responsible for the significant drop in takings.

Respected Hollywood columnist Jeffrey Wells said: "Crowe has single-handedly turned the movie into a financial disappointment. His ability to demand the big bucks may be in great peril if audiences are going to look at his films and say, 'Screw it, I don't want to pay to see that thug.'"

Crowe was charged with second degree assault and possession of a weapon - a reference to the telephone - last Monday (06.06.05) for allegedly attacking Estranda.

The incident happened at the Mercer hotel after the handsome actor got embroiled in a row with the porter over a phone in his room - which he claimed didn't work when he tried to contact his wife Danielle Spencer.

Crowe, famed for his wild temper, ripped the handset from the socket in the lavish suite before storming downstairs and attacking Estrada.